Elon University’s men’s soccer will travel to face a ranked non-conference opponent on Saturday, Oct. 23 — the West Virginia University Mountaineers. 

This will be Elon’s fifth game all-time against West Virginia. In 2014, the Phoenix bested the Mountaineers at home by a score of 1-0. Elon also won the last matchup between the teams played at Morgantown, WV in 2012.

West Virginia enters the game with a 7-2-4 record and is currently ranked 25th in the United Soccer Coaches top 25 poll, a ranking of the best teams in the country as voted on by Division I head coaches. 

While West Virginia poses a tough competition for Elon, Head Coach Marc Reeves said he is confident in his team’s leadership to help them in this weekend’s away game.

“West Virginia is a fast paced technical team who space the field very well. So we're going to need to be set up well defensively,” Reeves said. "Our senior group is fighting hard to make sure we have a successful season. And I think we've got quite a bit of depth as well, that you know, there's one or two players I still think you're gonna have a big impact on our season that maybe we haven't seen a ton from or statistically.”

Senior forward Jack Edwards said playing against high level teams is great preparation for Elon, especially with the Colonial Athletic Association schedule coming to a close and the season ending conference tournament just three weeks away. 

“All our eyes are on the Hofstra, William & Mary games, because if we can get results against them, we'll find a way into the CAA tournament,” Edwards said. “If we can perform well against West Virginia, we can definitely bring that into the Hofstra game next weekend.”



Elon enters the match with a 6-5-2 record following a 2-2 tie against the Northeastern University Huskies. The week before, the Phoenix defeated the UNC Wilmington Seahawks 4-3 in overtime.

The Mountaineers lost their last match on Oct. 19 in double overtime against the University of Kentucky. Reeves said he expects West Virginia to apply significant pressure early on in the game. 

“They'll be looking to make sure they come back fresh and fast to get back on track,” Reeves said. “We're focused on what we can do well, are starting the game well and playing to our fullest potential.”

As the team prepares to take on the Mountaineers, Edwards said a win against a team like West Virginia would serve as a milestone victory for Elon’s program.

“It'd be big not only for our ranking, but emotionally for the team. We do really well. It'll lift our spirits a lot,” Edwards said. “We'll just keep riding it that way. Get the win and hopefully bring it to the CAA. It's a big chance for us to make a statement.”

The matchup at Dick Dlesk Stadium in Morgantown will air on ESPN+ Saturday at 2 p.m.